Grainau

Just 1-2 miles west of the base is the little village of Grainau. It looks like an alpine village to us--but may not be high enough to officially qualify! We rode there on bikes and were enchanted with what we saw.

The gorgeous mountain views are becoming commonplace, but still take our breath away.

We saw heep grazing on the hillside with bells around their necks; looked like a scene out of Heidi.

One sheep was particularly curious about Bob and his camera!

In the village we found a bakery so stopped in for coffee and a pastry. Note: a grosse kaffee (large coffee) is not large and there are no free refills!

Also note: There are typically no chairs/stools--who knows why?

Bob had an interesting (read: lots of hand gestures) conversation with another customer.

 The saleswoman spoke decent English so we were able to communicate a little more. After the older gentleman left we learned that he comes in every week with the same tired jokes. "He tries to be funny but he's not," she groused!

We then managed to find the post office, bought some stamps and mailed some postcards; quite a feat when it's not in English!

There was an old church that was built in the 17th century.

It was later refurbished in the rococo style, popular in the 1800s.

The graveyard in front was amazing. Each grave had a little garden plot, often with photos of the deceased and a candle burning.  

Just before leaving Grainau we decided to get some German/Bavairan sausage. We knew the word for butcher shop(Metzgerei) but even if we hadn't, we probably could have identified the place!

Back on the base we made our first home-cooked German meal: sausages, potato dumplings, sauerkraut and salad (OK; that is sort of American.)

And Bob finally won over Sandy, the braver of the two guinea pigs we are "babysitting."